2 Weeks Until San Diego!

So, my workout buddy fell ill most of this week which just meant I had to work hard on my own – with no one reminding me that I have to keep up or risk humiliation. 

Monday morning I rode my usual 18-19 mile route  through the foothills and enjoyed watching the sun rise over the side of South Mountain.  It wasn’t my best time, but I am clearly maintaining a nice pace on this route, now. 

And then on Tuesday, I faced the trail alone.  My legs were feeling heavy, but I pushed out a nice pace for 5 miles and never looked back.  The temps are getting much warmer which means carrying water with me on these tough trails.  While I don’t always need it, its super important in Phoenix to err on the side of caution.  One never knows when you might go down and be stranded on the side of the mountain until someone comes by – so as the temps rise, I carry water.

Matt still unwell, I went for a nice easy 2000 meter swim on Wednesday morning.  As triathlon season comes to a close in Arizona, fewer and fewer people are seen in the pool.  I think I may have been the ONLY person in a lane for a good 20 minutes until a few trickled in.  Its good and bad – having to share a lane forces a triathlete to focus on their lines and having people in close proximity, but man is it nice to just glide for 45 minutes with no fear of bumping shoulders, arms, hands or even heads.

By Thursday morning I was really hopeful to have Matt join me for my Tempo run – given the fact that he’d really made me work the week prior and managed to keep me at an 8:40 pace for 5 miles.  But, again, Thursday, I went out alone.  Sadly, it really does take someone berating me and running backwards in front of me to keep me at an 8:30-8:40 pace – but I finished my 6 miles at an 8:51, instead.  I am not displeased, since I know this will still gain me a sub-2 hour ½ marathon, but it would be so nice to have my times closer to the 8:30 marker than the 9:00 marker.  I need an 8:30 pace to qualify for Boston.  Not that its my goal – but I am so close, I just want to see if I can do it.  Naturally I cannot believe I just admitted this in my blog.

I saw Matt at work briefly on Thursday and he seemed really down.  I know how upsetting it can be to lose nearly an entire week of potential training due to illness – he was in a rough spot.  He asked if we could shorten our ride on Friday and simply head out Pecos and back.  Company vs No Company – naturally I was happy to do whatever might get him back on the course.   We took it pretty easy on the course as I listened to Matt detail his excitement over watching every stage of the AMGEN Tour of California while he was home sick the whole week.  Matt rides a Jamis bike and he absolutely loves everything about the technology of his bike.  Team Jamis was doing well for the first couple of stages, from what I recall of our conversation – that was about the point that I tuned out and hoped he’d forgive me for not understanding a word of what he was saying.

While on the bike, I could feel a little discomfort in the tendons along the back of my right knee.  I stretched and stretched it (while waiting for Matt to catch up), but the pain remained for the entirety of the ride and well into the rest of the day.  In fact, it really had me worried when I went to bed on Friday night, so I did an extra long stretching session and hoped for the best.

I got a new jersey!

Saturday morning I awakened and didn’t feel much of anything from the tendons, but to be cautious, I didn’t swim or ride on Saturday morning.  My body was asking for a day of rest. 

However, I feel like I should tell everyone who reads my blog, that while I rested, Anne did her 11 mile run and I agreed to meet her at one of our local favorite breakfast joints.  At mile 6.2 she texted me, so I knew I had approximately another 55 minutes before I would see her at the end of her run.  Boy did she impress me.  For the first time in history, Anne beat me to the breakfast spot – she was simply far faster than I anticipated.  6 months ago it would have taken Anne 2:15 to finish those 11 miles.  But, Saturday, Anne finished in 2:04 – I am so proud of her.  She remains on track for under a 2:30 ½ marathon in two weeks.  I can hardly wait to see her finish.

Additionally on Saturday, I was able to enjoy an afternoon with a couple of friends at the AZ Canned Beer Fest.  It was a sea of craft beers and an awesome little 6 ounce can to receive pours.  With our entry fee came 20 pours – I am hopeful that not many took advantage of all 20.  I think that Craig and I managed about ½ that before bailing for the afternoon. 

L-R: Mer, Dennis M, and Craig

Naturally, the mixture of beer and working out is not the best.  I hydrated like crazy the rest of the day and went to bed early in hopes that it wouldn’t do much damage to my Sunday big workout.

Feeling marginally better (Matt that is), Matt picked me up at 4:40am and we were on the Desert Classic Trail by 5am.  You might remember from prior posts about the Desert Classic Trail – if I can get a ride to the start, I can run the trail all the way home – 11 miles exactly. 

Matt hung with me for the first 2.5 miles telling me more stories about Team Jamis and how they were back out in lead positions in the Tour of California in the final stages.  There was more talk about some Yellow Flag that I didn’t understand and something about hills versus time trials – but again, I have no clue what he was talking about.  Not wanting to seem like the lame, newb-of-a-cyclist that I clearly am, I enthusiastically added things like “YEAH!” and “”Wow!”  There may even have been some kind of, “That’s amazing!” in there.  Maybe it was the fact that I didn’t add much to the conversation that made Matt lead and abandon running with me – maybe I was too damn slow.  Whatever it was – I sincerely hope some American guy with a German last name wins the whole thing and that there’s some dude from Team Jamis on the podium.  (cheesy grin)

The Desert Classic sun rise is like no other.  This blog has seen many shots.  Not wanting to lose Matt, I decided not to stop and take a picture, this time.  In hindsight, I should have.  We both really enjoyed running toward the sun rising over the mountain with huge purples and pinks as we approached.  I saw Matt routinely for another 4 miles, but by mile 7 I had stopped seeing him altogether.  It made me sad, thinking about how desperately faster I wanted to be.  I was hot and running out of steam by mile 8, but I managed to get to the end of the trail where Matt was waiting in the shade. 

A told Matt I wanted to walk the last 1.75 miles home – of course I didn’t.  He pulled ahead and we met at my front door a little bit later.  Matt cut 10 minutes off his last Desert Classic run.  Another impressive trail run.  This was by far my worst time by 3 minutes, but I am ok with it.  The temps are rising and my tummy remembered all the beer from the afternoon prior somewhere around mile 7 or 8.  But I managed to eek it out and finish all 11 miles.  I know it will translate to faster times on the road and in the ½ marathon.  Now, I just have to convince my heart to believe the same.

Life Lessons can be so hard.

I had a super introspective week – best explained by admitting to the world (now) that I have been in Foster Parent Training for the last 6 weeks.  As boring as much of the material and trainings have been, a lot of what we’ve learned in these classes has been incredibly helpful – both as a future foster parent and as life lessons. 

I tell you all of this, not necessarily as a confessional, but because we did an exercise this week that has profoundly impacted me.  At the very beginning of class, we were all handed 5 blank post-it notes and were asked to write on each of them the 5 most important connections in our lives.  There were many of us with similar answers: Family, Friends, god (not me…but most had their faith or god represented on at least one post-it).  Some had material things, others had sports teams or their family pets.  My five were Family (Mom, Michael, Aunt Lynne), Work/Colleagues (Matt, Christina, Kris, Sonya and Ron), Friends (Anne with Sean and Lyla), Music (Live and Recorded), and my Running Community/Triathlon Community.

Once we all completed our post-it notes, we were then told that we had to look at them and decide which one we were willing to live without.  I swallowed hard, thinking “WHAT?! There are only 5 things – I need to get rid of one?!”  So reluctantly, I raised “Music” into the air to show that I had chosen.  Some took longer than others to raise theirs in the air, but within a few seconds, all 30+ hands were in the air.  We were then asked to let go of the post-it and allow it to fall to the floor of the room.  And so, “Music” lay a few feet from my table.   You can probably see where this is headed, as we were then told to pick another one to live without.  I felt uneasy.  I knew I needed running to keep mentally healthy, but then deduced that I needed work and those colleagues to live (eat, clothing, housing, etc).  So into the air went my “Running Community”. 

By the third request, the time to decide got longer and longer, as many of us felt we couldn’t part with some of these items or people.  Mom, Anne and Work remained.  I knew without work both Mom and Anne would take me in – but without them, work would mean very little.  So, into the air went “Work”.  Strangely, I remember not having a job and losing all of my work colleagues – many of whom forgot about me once my locker was cleared from the faculty area.  But, Mom and Anne were both there. 

And then came the final request – to choose yet one final post-it to let go.  A woman at my table had her faith and children in her hands and was in tears.  (To lighten this blog a little, you should know that a guy at the table next to me still had the Green Bay Packers in his cold-hands.)  But I sat there realizing that the most important things in my life were in my two hands and all I could do was smile.  I let Anne go (and apologized to her yesterday while shopping), but in the end I know she understood. 

The lesson was to show us that Foster children are removed from all of the things that are important to them at once – all of their connections.  That they are often pulled away from even their last post-it note and it was important to show us that while we all had choices to make during that 15 minute exercise, these kids have no choice of what they can hold on to.  My heart was broken – and I knew I was doing the right thing choosing to become part of the solution to their mess(es), but incredibly grateful that I have my mom and family, Anne and her kids, Matt and all of my work colleagues, my running community and even my music.  We were allowed to pick all of our connections up from the ground.  Some chose to throw them away at break, but the exercise impacted many of us enough to have them displayed throughout the remainder of the training.  I smiled as I thought about how much I loved my 5 post-its and hope they are with me for the rest of my life. 

So, onto why I blog – because most of the time my 5 connections are with me.  On Monday morning, Matt and I rode easy.  My legs were fine, considering the weekend’s work, but the weather was gorgeous so we were happy to enjoy it.

Tuesday morning Matt asked if he could mix things up a bit – making me work super hard on a VERY steep trail run for 4-5 miles.  I was nervous, but game.  At the ½ way mark, up Telegraph Pass and down the Kwanis Trail, I looked at Matt and said, “I don’t think I can run back – its going to be 90% hiking.”  Matt was confident I would be ok, and off we went to complete the climb back up the mountain before the descent down Telegraph Pass.  Nearly 1000 feet of climbing and descent that morning left me feeling every inch of my legs.  I had to take a snap shot of the elevation (from my Garmin) so you could all see the pain Matt inflicted on me.  The good news, I was able to run all the way back up (save a few feet right at the top) and I kept within 10-15 feet of Matt until the descent.  I think he’s simply more willing to die nose first down the trail than I.   That 4.5 mile run took me an hour, but it was the BEST feeling when we were done. 

Click on it -- to see the elevation numbers and short distances to reach them!

South Mtn at our backs

I was really too sore to do anything on Wednesday, so I took the morning off.

By Thursday, Matt planned a tempo run at an 8:30 pace for 6 miles.  Our 6 mile route has long, drawn out hills and an 8:30 is a bit fast for me, but I was willing to try.  As much as I hate writing this I will because it reminds me how much work I have to do.  Just before the 3 mile mark (and about a mile after my iPod bailed on me), Matt told me we were running just under a 9 minute mile up the long hill.  He felt I could do better and told me so.  I couldn’t even answer – we were headed uphill and I had just completed 2+ miles at right around an 8:30 pace.  It was then that I heard, “Come on, Meri,” and glanced up to see Matt running backwards in front of me.  If I could have tripped him, I would have.   Jackass!  It helped.  I sped up and kept the two steepest miles under 9’s – something I have never done before.  I begged to dropped to a jog at mile 5 and we did.  Avg pace: 8:41 with the long hills.  I’ll take it.  There’s always next week!

Friday morning was another easy ride – it was cool and lovely.  No complaints.  It was also a SUPER long work day for both of us, as the MCC commencement ceremony was that evening. 

I also attended a morning brunch with the college community, my former-student-David’s commencement from ASU in the middle of the afternoon, and didn’t get home until after 10pm. 

Antonia (violin) and Cindy (Cello) - two of my amazing managers playing at the employee brunch!

David, former MCC student, at his graduation from ASU!  So proud - Summa Cum Laude!

Jordan, MCC student, Veteran and employee - graduating

I mention the late night because Matt met me at my house at 4:15am on Saturday so that we could caravan to the Pass Mountain Trail Head and be on the trail by 5am.  Barely 5 hours of sleep for either of us, but we knew we couldn’t miss another opportunity to hit this trail.  Its so hard, but so rewarding.  Two weeks ago when I blogged about it, I mentioned my 1:31 time.  Well, as we finished the run, I was never so proud to see 1:26 on my Garmin – nearly 5 minutes better than the last time, over 7.5 miles.  That’s huge.  I can’t wait to even improve on THAT.  But, with the AZ summer quickly approaching, it may have to wait a few months.  …maybe.  I should also mention, that on 5 hours of sleep Matt only missed his PR on Pass Mtn by 5 measly seconds – 1:20:04 (his best was 1:19:59).  I think we were both aware that this might be our last chance at a decent time for a few months.  The heat is a game changer and we just get out to put the miles on our bodies, rather than shooting for Personal Records. 

Click on it - seriously!

Pass Mountain at our backs!  Great morning!

And after my run, Anne and Lyla met me for breakfast and some shopping.   (In a few short hours, post-its 2-5 were represented.)

Squinting Lyla

So, this morning, I awakened to a text from Anne telling me she was headed out the door to start her 10 mile run.  Anne is shooting for a 2:30 half marathon in San Diego and I know she can do it.  I told her I would pick her up at one of our breakfast spots and drive her home.  I know this motivates her to stay on track – there’s nothing like knowing someone is waiting for you at the other end.  She anticipated a 2 hour finishing time, so I got up, had a cup of coffee and headed to the gym for my swim.

After 1700 meters, I knew I was cutting it close on time, so I hopped out of the pool and checked my phone.  Sure enough, a text from Anne at mile 6 telling me she was killing it and feeling strong.  I quickly threw my clothes over my suit and rushed off to meet her at Chompies.  Less than 2 minutes after I arrived, Anne rounded the corner super excited.  10 miles in 1:53 – she is on track for 2:27 Half Marathon.  I am really excited for her!!

Only pre-swim shot I will ever take again.  

As Anne finished -- outside Chompies!

It was awesome to sit and listen to Anne recount every mile of her run, as we ate.  She was on cloud 9 and deserved her moment in the sun!  Three weeks ‘til the San Diego Half. 

So, to close this week’s blog, I leave you with this thought – what are your five most important connections?  While you consider them, remember to thank those people or embrace those things today and always.  And, to Post-It-Note #1 – Happy Mother’s Day to the 3 women I held on to: Mom, Gram and Aunt Lynne.  (And even the mom’s I had to let go – Anne, Christina and Kris.) I love you all so much! 

Hey Post #101 - Usual Stuff, New Week!

Sometimes I sit at my desk to write my blog and begin by looking at the weekly blog pictures – it helps me remember the good and the tough moments.  And, then there are moments like I just had – moments when I realize I did not take a day to rest, this week.  Yet – I feel pretty good.  In fact, I feel a lot better this morning than I did all day yesterday when I worried I would be a mess on my Sunday workout with Matt.  So – here are the deets…

On Monday I woke up and my right leg was not in a good place.  The outside of my calf was all kinds of sore and tender to the touch.  I went out for an easy spin that morning and it didn’t seem to be bothered on the bike, but any time I walked – especially down stairs – I was in a bit of pain.  I wracked my brain for a couple of hours trying to figure out what I might have done on my awesome trail run the morning prior that would have left me with this pain.  Then, it dawned on me – I rolled my right ankle about a mile into the trail run and didn’t think much of it.  Well, that was the catalyst, for sure.  And, as the day went on, the pain seemed to only increase. 

I went to my weekly massage appointment with Lisa on Monday evening and told her about the tightness and the mild pain.  She worked on the area delicately before saying, “yeah, you’ve strained you peroneus longus and DEFINITELY should take a little time off of running. “ Trying not to seem stressed about it, I assured her I would let it heal.  And, that evening, I emailed Matt to say that our morning run was off and that I intended to swim instead.

And, I did just that.  Frustrated by the pain in my leg, I swam like a fish – working on my form and speed.  After 2000 meters, I glanced at my watch and was pleased with my time – approx. 49 minutes, and 2 minutes faster than I was even a few months ago. 

By the time I got to work on Tuesday morning, I realized the peroneus injury was sticking around – so much so that I refrained from wearing heals – and attempted to do very little walking around campus.

Wednesday morning I got up for my morning ride and noticed that the leg was feeling marginally better, so out the door I went, hoping for the best. 

The stars were evidently aligned, as nothing seemed to really bother me on the ride.  I was moving faster than usual and hitting the hills as if they were hard, but not debilitating.  And, as I pulled back into my driveway 19 miles later, I had pulled another personal record: 18.3 AVS .  This was huge, considering the best I had EVER done on the same route was 17.9, and I’d only managed that once.  So, 18.3 had me jumping for joy (figuratively, since I didn’t want to hurt the leg).

By Wednesday afternoon, the leg was feeling a lot better, so at 8pm that night I sent Matt a little email letting him know I’d be running in the morning with him.

And, so we hit the trailhead.  Matt stayed behind me the entire 4 mile run – it occurred to me later that he probably did so out of concern for my injury and not wanting me stranded on some section in tears from an added injury.  Our times were good and my leg felt nothing the whole time – I was in the clear. 

On Friday morning, I met Matt again for a hard ride of hill repeats.  All I can say is – that shit’s hard!

On my training calendar this weekend, I had a 10 mile run.  Additionally, Matt asked if we might ride on Sunday instead of run, so I was relegated to a Saturday morning long run.  I had planned my really tough, hilly route through the foothills with nearly 6 miles of climbing.  Everything I read tells me that incorporating super hard hill climbs on foot (and on the bike) will make me faster on the flats. 

So, I headed out the door around 5:15am on Saturday to push through the distance in preparation for San Diego in 4 weeks.  In the first mile, my legs really opened up.  I could feel that they were fairly well rested and could take the distance.  I hit the first long hill climb at mile 2 and it doesn’t subside until after mile 5 and change. 

As I hit mile 7 I entertained continuing the last major hill climb without water or gel – but I had my little Matt-birdie in my ear reminding me that it will only help me to take them.  I knew it would cost me a few seconds, but I also knew that I might bonk out in the last mile or so if I didn’t.  So, as I rounded 48^th Street (by my house), I grabbed my stashed water bottle and gel and downed them quickly, barely stopping.  Then up up up I went to finish the ten miles.

My watched beeped 10 miles at 1:30:35 – not too shabby considering the terrain.  Looks like if I keep it up, I should still have a sub-2 half marathon next month.  I think Matt said we can try Pass Mountain again next weekend – I simply cannot wait!

After a fairly crappy night’s sleep, I met Matt for our usual long ride out to Maricopa and back.  My legs weren’t as fresh, given the less than adequate night’s sleep, but I was willing to give it everything I had left – which was good considering the horrendous winds heading out to Maricopa.  All we could do was laugh – it was painful and really freakin’ hard.  Neither of us let off and I know we were working super hard – every morsel of our bodies were showing it. 

Naturally, that meant that the ride back would be pretty awesome.  And, it was.  Matt and I were flying home – hitting speeds of 23-25 mph for a lot of it.  The effort wound up being similar, but gosh – its so much more fun to go 23 mph working hard than 17 mph feeling like you might cough up a lung.  It actually wasn’t until I got home that I realized my watch messed up and only captured half of my data.  Alas, it was an amazing ride and we put out an incredible effort, this morning.  I am so proud of us! 

I love me some Trail-Runnin'!

This was a fairly routine week of runs, rides and a swim.  I’m not going to go into huge detail, but here’s a quick recap.  Mind you, Matt woke up for his workouts with me each and every morning – this is a FIRST in a long time.  I am proud of him.  He’s becoming incredibly fit because of his consistency – which also means he’s wiping the earth’s floor with me each and every time we hit the trail or the road. 

So, Monday we rode easy.  After our HUGE effort on the bike on Sunday, it was nice to simply pedal away as if nothing mattered. 

Tuesday, we met at the trailhead to the Desert Classic at 5am for a 4 mile run.  We watched the sun rise over South Mtn and gabbed the whole way about several of our work projects.

Wednesday, Matt found a new hill on which to do hill repeats on the bike.  It was steep and fantastically hard.  After three times up and around, we called it a day.  Total mileage was around 15-16 miles, so it was a good workout for a Wednesday morning. 

My new jersey...its pretty sweet!

Much to my surprise, Matt met me again at the trailhead for a 6 mile run on the beautiful Desert Classic trail.  He pulled ahead about a ½ mile into the run, and as much as I tried to catch him – it was like a rabbit following a carrot for the next 5 miles.  I could see him or smell his deodorant for the majority of the route, but I never caught him.  I was not disappointed in my times – and I think Matt hit a PR for his 6 miles.  Another testament to becoming quite the athlete - consistency.  (Let’s see how long he can keep this up with me on his tail.)

On Thursday morning, we both brought our bikes in for some minor repairs.  Matt was dropping his chain more often than not and my shifting was out of whack.  Turns out I needed new cables.  This simply meant that our bikes were in the shop for what would have been a Friday morning ride.  So, I hit the gym alone and pushed out a 1500 meter swim.  In the two weeks I was out of the gym-pool, they resurfaced the indoor lap pool.  It was good and bad.  No longer could I see the mucky stains along the bottom, but when I hit the wall to turn around, they’d strategically placed several SLICK tiles in the midst of the back-wall, and my foot slid right off the tile giving me NO leverage or distance.  I almost threw out my hip.  It only took a couple of laps for it to dawn on me to stay to the right or the left of the lane to avoid the slick tiles.  My right hip is still a little wonky because of it.

We both took Saturday off in an effort to prepare our bodies for a tough trail run on Sunday morning. 

My alarm awakened me at 3:45am.  Matt was picking me up at 4:15am for our 40 minute drive out to the Usery Mountains, again.  This time he wanted me to try to run the Pass Mountain trail.  He detailed it as a 7.1 mile route with HUGE elevation climbs for the first 4 miles.  Then a nice rolling descent to the base of the mountain.

Shortly after 5am, we were headed out on the trail.  The first couple of miles were lovely – albeit narrow and far larger rock formations to hop over (and around) than on the trails of South Mountain.  Matt pulled ahead immediately, and I just followed the white shirt for miles.  I tried to keep him in my sights, but there were occasions where looking up would have been quite a detriment, so I lost him for a bit.  At the second mile, the elevation began to change and we were clearly headed up – up – up.  This path became quite narrow and the rock formations even steeper and more dangerous.  I just let Matt vanish so that I could focus on my foot work.  He knew the route – and this meant he could run it with less trepidation than I. 

At the 3 mile mark I found myself pleased that I’d thought to bring my handheld water bottle, as I was climbing and climbing.  There were moments in the fourth mile where I literally thought my heart was going to come out of my chest, as I maneuvered my way through very narrow passages along fairly steep drops (along the mountainside).  My mother would have been displeased.  Occasionally I would see Matt in one of the switchbacks along the side of the mountain.  He waited for me just beyond the ½ way mark at the very steepest section of the run.  As we both stood there we could see for miles and miles.  The city and world was beneath us.  But, after about a minute, Matt uttered, “You ready to finish this?”  All I could do was nod, as he darted away from me again. 

I came around a bend relatively close to one of the higher sections of the run and could see Matt waiting for me.  He knew how important it would be to occasionally take in the scenery, so I figured he was waiting for me to show me nature’s beauty.  Instead, I realized he was taking video footage of me with the gorgeous sun rise over the mountains in the backdrop.  How cool to be able to relive it, over and over. 

As he pulled away from me, again, the path became very narrow.  The next 2.5 miles were filled with the smells of the desert mountain floor and the beauty of the rolling mountains around us.  Next time I will be able to look up a lot more.

While those last few miles were mostly downhill, there were plenty of steep washes to come in and out of – and my legs were feeling exhausted with each and every one.  And, as the path finally flattened out, I could see Matt waiting for me at the end – camera poised in my direction. 

It was certainly the hardest trail run I have ever done – and it made the Desert Classic look like child’s play.  7.6 miles took me 1:31 – that should explain JUST how difficult it was.  I was anticipating 1:15-1:20.  I am already ready to try to beat it, though – now that I know what to anticipate. 

If you click on the pic -- you can see little me in the distance.

We left the Usery Mountain Park and eventually hit the freeway.  As we did, Matt and I looked over our shoulders and Matt said, “we just went around that entire thing,” gesturing to this huge mountain in the backdrop.  What an amazing feeling!

“Please, sir.  I want some more!”

Although, this is a "snagged" shot, I did buy it.  Thought this was one of my cooler finishing photos from Pat's Run, last weekend.  Going to make it my Blog Profile Pic, too.  When the real one comes in, I will replace this one.

Post Tri Ease

I am not sure I should even try to write an eventful blog this week.  After last week’s huge effort, I took it pretty easy the beginning portion of the week.

Figuring that my legs needed some recovery time on the bike, I headed out for 14 or so miles (super easy) on Tuesday morning.  The only really great thing about the ride was that somewhere around mile 10 I realized it was light enough not to need my bike light – which also meant that I could probably start hitting the trailhead again before work. 

So, I did exactly that on Thursday morning.  At 5:15am, Matt met me for a short, but beautiful trail run.  It had been about 5 weeks since I’d been on the trail – and several months since Matt had.  We chatted about work and life the whole 4 miles and both admitted to feeling whole again now that we could hit the trailhead before work. 

Friday, Matt kicked my ass on a ride out Pecos Road and back.  He started the ride by telling me how poorly (and little) he’d slept and really didn’t feel like riding.  But, something kicked in around the 4^th mile because he left me gasping for air and screaming about my quads being aflame.  You should all know – he laughs at me all the time and it simply frustrates the crap out of me.

Saturday morning, I met Anne and Amy for the 9^th Annual Pat’s Run.  28,000 runners show up for this event, annually – and the events earlier in the week (in Boston) were not lost on any of us.  But the 4.2 mile run (which I have done every year since its inception) went off without a hitch.  It was better organized this year than the prior several.  The first year I ran it, I helped organize a team that took first place (as there were a couple thousand runners who took part). 

Last year, with 28,000 runners, we took 118^th out of 500 teams.  Sadly, due to changes in how the college can advertise events, we only had a few people sign up on the team, this year – so I didn’t even bother to check the team stats. 

Pre-Race: Anne, Mer, Amy

When the horn blew – corral after corral left the starting line.  I was in Corral 7, so I started about 7 minutes after the first runners took off.  Anne and Amy were a few corrals back from me.  Because there are so many runners, it’s difficult to really refer to Pat’s Run as a race – since everyone spends the majority of their time bobbing and weaving passed slower runners. 

I had no real issues on the run.  I didn’t bother to look at my Garmin for the entirety of the race.  I figured – what was the point?  Too many people, narrow roads – it would only irritate me.  But, when I crossed the finish line at the 42 yard line of the ASU football stadium, my watch read 35:54 (corrected to 35:50 official time).  I was stunned.  That’s just over an 8:30 pace.  I kept thinking about what I could have done without all of the people in the way.  I was pleased!

Post Race Smiles - Mer, Amy, Anne

Shortly after I finished, I waited and saw Anne beat her time from last year – and then Amy do the same.  We were three very proud girls, when all was said and done!  We enjoyed a nice breakfast together in honor of our efforts.

That evening, I went to Anne’s to spend the evening with my favorite two kiddos, before heading home to attempt to sleep before my 4am alarm went off. 

That Miss Lyla!!!

However, with very little sleep, I got up and attempted a really tough ride with Matt along the Usery/Superstition Mountains. 

At 5am we met and headed out along the hilly paths of the Bush Highway.  Its ridiculous just how much climbing and sleep descents we endure on this route of Matt’s.  Then, a good 9 miles into the ride, we hit the Usery Pass – a 3.5 mile climb that can wreck even the best’s riding ego.  As we began our first ascent up the Pass, I told Matt that it was the first time I had attempted this route with my Carbon bike.  It, and my 16 months of riding experience since my first time up, made a world of difference.  It was tough, but not unmanageable.  It also no longer takes me 30 minutes to climb it.  In fact, it took us just over 17 minutes. 

It wasn’t at all lost on us that a few weeks prior a snowbird had killed a rider on the same Pass up the mountain.  Its weird – the shoulder is huge and the roads are smooth.  There was no excuse for it.  However, there was a lovely memorial for the rider about a 1/3 of the way up the Pass – and I noticed that we both were silent in observation and thought, as we passed.  I suppose some of these things we love are dangerous when drivers are not paying attention.  Let this be a moment for everyone to reflect – no texting, no distractions while driving.  You simply never know when a cyclist or runner is on the shoulder next to you.

After Matt and I reached the top and began spiraling down, I thought, “is he seriously going to make me do this whole thing again?”  Sure enough, as we hit the 17^th mile of our ride, Matt made a right-hand turn and we were back at it.  All we could do was laugh – as our quads and brains were tired. 

The second time up the Usery Pass, Matt and I passed a poor rider.  As we passed him, he uttered (while very much out of breath), “I love this, but I hate it, too.”  All we could do was nod, as we trekked passed him on our way to the top. 

I held strong for just over ½ of the 3.5 mile climb, but Matt came back with full force for the last mile and a half and my lead was lost forever.  I know that man’s brain – if he can push it out, he will make me die trying to beat him.  Today was not the day to win – Matt took it hands down, again.  BUT – for a solid 2 miles, I really thought I had him.  (…sigh)

As we hit the descent, Matt complimented my riding, and I his.  He knows, however, that I am chomping at the bit to kick his ass on one of these long, endurance-riddled mornings.    

On a side note, after Anne, Amy and I had signed up and booked our hotel rooms for the Sonoma ½ marathon on June 8^th, we all got notification on Wednesday that “due to low registration numbers” the race had been canceled and all fees returned.  We were bummed.  BUT, within 24 hours, we’d all resolved to move our training up a week and do the San Diego ½ again – June 2^nd.  YES!  I will finally have my chance to do well.  With any luck, I won’t get the stomach flu again this year.  (…smile)  Here’s hoping!

Meri and the Leadman

I know, I know – I failed to blog last week.  I was in Chicago on a business trip and by the time I arrived home on Tuesday evening, it seemed pointless to start a blog.  I do want to say that while in Chicago, though, I did manage to take a couple of nice runs with my colleagues, Brian and Matt (yes, Matt of the blog).  Here are a couple of nice shots of our respective runs (Brian on Sat: 5.25 miles; Matt on Monday 3.4 miles).

Early morning run - 5.25 miles with Brian

Late afternoon run with Matt -- gorgeous water front.

The big news, of course, is that I have officially completed the Leadman 125.  To refresh everyone’s memory (1.5 mile swim, 69 mile ride and 8.1 mile run = 125 km). 

I went to bed last night exhausted from my nerves.  I was literally sound asleep by 8:15pm.  Interestingly enough, I slept fairly soundly until my alarm went off at 4:15am to let me know it was Game Time.  8 hours sleep before a big race?  I was super pleased. 

I had packed all my gear the night before and left myself a little note on my bag to remember my frozen/chilling water bottles.  The weather forecast was for some fairly substantial sun and heat – 90+ degrees by the time I was to finish.  I knew hydration was going to be key.

I met Josh, Aaron and Joe in transition a little passed 5:30am, and we all got set up.  I love the pre-race transition area.  You become instant friends with all of the people setting up around you.  Mostly because everyone wants to borrow someone else’s gear.  Evidently, I was the only one within 5 racks that thought to bring my bike pump, so my pump was quite the hit for a while. 

Before we knew it, they were calling for us to line up for the swim.  The swim is my most worrisome event.  You cannot imagine how happy I am that its first on the list!  Aaron, Josh and Joe (being under 39 and men) were in the FIRST wave of swimmers – leaving the dock at 7am, sharp.  And, I (an over 40 female) was in the last wave – starting at 7:15am.  This is both a curse and a blessing.  1. You’re not drowning at the hands of speedy men or women. 2. Your last in and last out, so you’re always at a deficit when racing – seeing people miles and miles ahead of you for the remainder of the race.  Its entirely mental – but I love it and hate it.

Joe, Mer, Josh and Aaron - pre-race wetsuit shot

As all of the men and younger women left the dock, my wave jumped in.  Usually people are respectful as you make your way into the water, but not the over-anxious jackass who jumped in behind me.  She literally jumped on my leg and my foot scraped the bottom of the rocky lake.  OUCH!  Gah!

However, as the horn blew – it was my day.  Everything was fine – my breathing, my stroke, my stride.  I felt great.  I was thrilled when the turn around seemed faster than I anticipated, as well.  I wasn’t getting tired at all.  In fact, I started passing swimmers from the previous heats – another benefit of being last – no one passes you.  (wink)  We all know that blowing up in the water is simply a reality for triathletes.  Sometimes the combination of going out too fast and the restriction of the wetsuit can make people panic.  Fortunately, I experienced no panic the entire swim.  I was a little dismayed at my time – 1:06 when I hit the deck, but my Garmin tells me I must have swung wide for nearly a quarter mile.  Total distance on my watch: 1.77 miles.  Ok, I’ll take the 1:06 with that in mind. 

As I was pulled from the water, the guy said, “don’t run the stairs!”  But, I heard him a millisecond too late, as I did a face plant right into the stairs out of the water.  So embarrassing and it hurt like a bitch!  But, the adrenalin from the humiliation kept me moving and I was in transition in no time. 

I quickly put on my bike gear and headed out on the bike route.  Most of the bikes were gone – another hazard of the last wave.  However, the bike is one of my best events, and I was looking forward to making up some time. 

We were told we had four 17.25 mile loops.  Let me tell you – they weren’t straight out and back.  Nope.  There were something like 17 turns and complete 180’s  along the single loop.  Additionally, they had us weave our way through the Papago Hills and several highway overpasses.  I’m not complaining – one of the benefits is that what goes up must come down – and the downhill was a nice respite each and every time.  I’ll refrain from mentioning the wind, as well – I don’t want to seem like a baby, after all.

As I completed the 1^st loop, I remembered hearing my name yelled as I breezed passed an intersection earlier in the ride.  So, I looked closely as I re-approached that same spot.  Sure enough – Christina (my amazing admin) and her friend Mark were screaming my name.  I passed them 8 times on the bike and I looked forward to each and every passing.  It was a HUGE boost for me every single time.  In fact, I needed to discard my water bottles at one point so I could grab a couple from the water stations and I was able to toss them to Christina without fear of never getting them back.  At $25 a bottle – I want those suckers back!  So, a HUGE HUGE thank you to Christina and Mark.

Distracted from seeing Christina and Mark – in the middle of my second loop, I ran nearly face first into one of the street signs directing traffic to stay right.  =/  I was able to swerve out of the way at the last minute, but it still caught my right hand and tore it up a bit.  I was a bloody mess for a good 20 minutes after.  Totally my fault – and I was acutely aware of all street signs after that. I somehow stayed upright; so that alone, kept me smiling.

After my second loop, I saw the beautiful (and VERY pregnant) Jacqui at another intersection corner.  What a treat!  Jacqui and I trained together for our first triathlons – she holds a special place in my heart and I loved seeing her out there on the route. 

On my last bike loop I saw Anne and Loretta on the side of the road.  I was so relieved.  I hadn’t seen them the entire morning and I was sure they were out there and we were simply missing each other.  Fortunately, Anne said she was late and that it was within minutes of her arrival.  (whew, wiping brow)

As I began to slow my bike to hit transition, I saw Matt with his kids, Brooke and Cole.  They had come straight from a Scout Camping trip.  First words out of Matt’s mouth, “Come on Meri!”  I must have given him the look of death and it took everything in me not to tell him where to go in front of his kids.  I wanted to walk my bike; I was tired.  But NO… Matt was simply not going to allow it.  So, I hussled as best I could to appease my bike-coach!

As it turns out – he was right.  I was dawdling.  I saw my transition time – eeeek!  5 minutes!  Oh well.  It didn’t feeeeeel that long.

By now I had been moving non-stop for over 5 hours and I was tired.  I just wanted it over.  I moved out of transition and into the run like a pregnant yak.  Matt got photographic evidence, but I am NOT interested in posting those pics.  Its nice to see that I looked exactly like I felt.  Like ass!

About ¾ of a mile into the run, I got a horrible stitch.  I walked for a minute and attempted to get back after it.  The stitch continued, so I allowed myself to walk swiftly for a full tenth of a mile before running again.  I had looked at the weather forecast days before the Leadman and saw the heat – 90+ degrees and nary a cloud in the sky.  I froze my handheld water bottle and was determined to carry it the length of the run.  It turned out to be the GIFT of the Leadman.  I was able to continually douse myself with water and had it to sip if and when needed.  The water stations along the way allowed me to refill it, as well, so it was always cold and always refreshing.

However, the run SUCKED.  Shortly after my stitch went away, the route turned into trails and they were steep and narrow.  Everyone began walking.  I resolved to walk up and run anything that looked flat or down.  Then I had to make deals with myself to walk the length of one power pole and run the length of two.  They were about 2-3 tenths apart, so it kept me moving more than walking.  I was still passing people who had started the race in earlier waves – and honestly, that made me feel pretty good.  In the last mile, I struck up a conversation with a guy who had been walking-running with this me for the prior mile or so.  As we rounded Mill Avenue, I said, “We’re really going to do this!”  He smiled and agreed.  But as we got part way down Mill, he started to peter out.  I looked back, walked for a minute with him and said, “Come on.  Let’s push each other.”  And, we did.  We talked to pass the time and embraced at the finish.  I am fairly certain that were I not there to encourage him on – he would have simply walked the last 2/3s of a mile.  Poor guy.  I was happy to help him … ‘cause it pushed me, too. 

Paul and Me -- embracing after finishing together

And, as I rounded the final corner, I could see Dennis, Loretta and Anne.  I was thrilled.  And, then, as I began to move through the finisher’s chute, I could see so many more of my closest friends: Matt, Ron, Lora, Anne, Loretta, Dennis and Aaron – who greeted me inside the finisher’s area.  I could feel just how proud everyone was of me.  It was incredible.  I am so fortunate to have so many encouraging and enthusiastic friends – and they all support me.  Its simple amazing.  I appreciate all of them – Jacqui, Christina and Mark, too! 

So, here are a smattering of shots from the end – oh and a video Dennis took!

Nearly done - Video!

Aaron in the Finisher's Area with me

And Anne =)

Dennis

 

You all know Matt

And Ron

And Jacqui

Anne and Loretta - always being fun

Figured I'd throw this in for good measure.